GASTRO OBSCURA  The History of Tutti Frutti  Beginning in the 1800s, the term tutti frutti (Italian for “all fruits”) was used in the United States to refer to anything with a mixed-fruit flavor, including candy, soda, gum, and ice cream. But the term also referred to a decadent brandied-fruit mixture that was popular in the U.S. from the 1880s up until the start of Prohibition. Take a bite out of its fruit-laden history today. READ MORE → WASHINGTON, D.C. D.C.’s Floating Chandeliers They come in the night. They seem to hover, colorful lights twinkling against dark skies and shadowed alleys over the District’s most populous areas. Some have suggested they’re alien in origin; others speculate that they’re drones or the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Mystified residents write into the local blog Popville, wondering about the origins of these mysterious fixtures. The blog’s editors simply note that, “From time to time, chandeliers appear floating around town.” A pretty light touch, if we do say so. READ MORE → ATLAS OBSCURA PUZZLES Burn, Baby, Burn Crosswords are back this week, and so it’s time for you to continue your fiery streak. Will you burn your way through the linguistic maze, or flame out? Only one way to know the answer. PLAY NOW → ATLAS OBSCURA COURSES School of Rocks Have you ever picked up a rock, and immediately felt inspired to pick up more rocks? In this 4-part lecture series with Yinan Wang, learn all about the history, science, practice, and ethics of collecting fossils, meteorites, and minerals. ENROLL TODAY → NATURE IS METAL Life In Extreme Circumstances You know the famous saying: Life finds a way. But sometimes it feels like Mother Nature is playing a whole different ball game, providing environments that are extremely difficult to survive in. Exhibit A: Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression, a 160-mile-long bowl that has daily average temperatures of 94 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the most sun-​scorched places on Earth. Rain is a rarity. There’s even a volcano named Dallol. And yet, remarkably, some microbes can exist in a combination of two of these environmental extremes, making them polyextremophiles. READ MORE → INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA Indiana Steam Clock This steam-powered clock located outside the Indiana State Museum was designed by Raymond L. Saunders. At the top of the hour, its eight brass whistles play “Back Home Again in Indiana.” But don’t call it an antique—it was built in 2002, and is one of the few steam-powered clocks in the world. READ MORE → THE ATLAS OBSCURA PODCAST Travels with Steve and Datsun In this episode of The Atlas Obscura Podcast, we hear from an Atlas Obscura user who, when he isn’t aboard an icebreaking warship for the Canadian Navy, spends weeks at a time road-tripping with his dog. We may have found ourselves a candidate for best travel companion, y’all. WOLFISH HISTORY Viking Werewolf Obsessions Believe it or not, Vikings were a bit obsessed with wolves—specifically werewolves. There are upwards of 50 different werewolf stories Vikings would tell around roaring fires to help pass long, dark Scandinavian winters. Wolves are woven into their mythology; popular stories link Viking descendants to werewolves. Viking werewolf stories, as it turns out, reflect the complexity of the wolf as a symbol in Viking society. READ MORE → MURCIA, SPAIN Paparajotes The crucial ingredient in this traditional treat is the leaf of a lemon tree. Nestled inside, the leaf gives the paparajote its shape and slight citrus tang. But the leaf is meant to merely lend a hint of flavor to the fried batter—not to be consumed. Now you know. READ MORE → ATLAS OBSCURA TRIPS Chiloé & the Fjords of Northern Patagonia Join us this fall to unravel the mysteries of Chiloé Island and trek through the stunning fern-laden scenery of Northern Patagonia. You'll experience local culinary traditions, glimpse adorable penguins, and learn about rewilding projects, all while surrounded by lakes, volcanoes, fjords and mountains. BOOK YOUR TRIP →